Figuring Things Out

Here are a few things we have learned about Alaina:

• She is very "girly". She will pick out princess or barbie or lacy or frilly ANYTHING - she is like a magnet to that stuff! The fancier and pinker, the better.
• She has a little stubborn streak.
• I suppose because of so many recent changes to her little world, she thrives on the predictable. We have found that if we are "out and about" at night that she has a really hard time going to bed. If we are home at night and the routine is followed, it is much better.
• Despite the fact that she has very little English, she is enjoying school. Again, the predictability of going each day works well with her.
• She does very well in new situations after a few minutes of sticking close to mommy.
• She loves to sing along with the blessing at meals.
• She loves yogurt, but doesn't care for cheese.
• She is very proud of every paper or art project that she brings home from school
• Ally adores her and follows her constantly. Of course, they have their "moments" but overall they get along quite well. They will chatter with each other, but have no idea what the other is saying!

Overall, Alaina is still adjusting beautifully. We are so thankful that God brought us together! She is, however, a Chinese school drop-out. We decided that she was just terribly upset each time we took her, and it's not worth the money or time if she isn't participating. I think the fact that the other kids were being taught such "basic" stuff really disturbed her. Maybe she thought she was in the remedial Chinese class. She didn't mind the writing part or the art projects, but the conversation part of the class really disturbed her! We are trying to think of other options, so if anyone knows of a high school or college student that would be able to tutor her, let us know! We don't want to give up on this, but I'm afraid that as each day goes by, the "window" is closing....